While it's no surprise that the two teams — the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Anotino Spurs — with the best odds of winning a title in 2027 were ranked as having the brightest future in the NBA, one ESPN insider believes the former will part ways with Jalen Williams or All-Star Chet Holmgren. How the Thunder star trio fare in 2026-27 could determine Williams and Holmgren's fate.

Despite losing Game 7 in last season's Western Conference Finals, the Thunder topped the Spurs on ESPN's future power rankings, yet drastic changes could be on the horizon, according to ESPN's Ben Golliver prediction.

“Oklahoma City will shift from a big three to a big two because of second apron concerns. The Thunder preserved their star trio of Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Holmgren this summer by executing a series of cap-clearing trades, but more financial pain awaits next offseason,” Golliver wrote. “Gilgeous-Alexander's salary will spike in the 2027-28 season, forcing the Thunder to make sharp cuts to their supporting cast or consider moving Williams or Holmgren.

“Constructing a new-and-improved version of the 2012 James Harden trade would help Oklahoma City maintain its depth and remain focused on its long-term sustainability.”

Thunder's two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will make $61.6 million during the first season of when his extension begins, joining Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, whose respective max deals kick in this upcoming season. By next summer, all three Thunder stars are slated to make a combined $150.8 million ahead of the 2027-28 season.

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For many, how Holmgren bounces back against Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama is critical. The chances of the Thunder and the Spurs heading toward a rematch in the playoffs remain high. Holmgren's four-point dud in Game 7 of last year's Western Conference Finals, compounded with his overall struggles against San Antonio, were magnified amidst the NBA's newest rivalry.

In the four regular-season games Holmgren faced the Spurs, he averaged 10.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. While Chet's rebounding and defense don't necessarily take a hit against San Antonio, his scoring does, as he averaged 17.1 points throughout 2025-26. However, in last year's Western Conference Finals, his numbers dropped to 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.

At the same time, Jalen Williams played 33 games before making five appearances throughout the Thunder's deep playoff run. His role with Oklahoma City is vital, as well, and coming off an injury-riddled season, Williams' bounce back in 2026-27 will be viewed through a critical microscope.

If the Spurs prevent Oklahoma City from winning a second title in three seasons, Thunder GM Sam Presti could consider shaking up his core, and rightfully so. Perhaps he runs it back for one more season with his current core intact, but second-apron restrictions will certainly be in play, considering the respective extensions in line for Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell — two vital complementary pieces for Gilgeous-Alexander in the backcourt.